Twelve Weeks to a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

Heart disease is a killer, but you can do plenty to reduce your risk and prolong your life. Research shows that making lifestyle changes can decrease your risk of cardiovascular heart disease.

Adopting heart-healthy habits over the next 12 weeks will start you on the road to better health and a longer life.

Twelve-week plan

Week 1: Commit to getting fit. The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that a significant number of deaths each year result from a lack of regular physical activity. Try to start exercising three times a week. Be sure to check with your doctor first if you haven't been exercising regularly. Build to 150 minutes weekly of moderate activity. The more you can exercise, the greater the benefit to your health.

Week 2: Stop smoking. You can have the most positive impact on your heart health by quitting smoking. It's also one of the hardest changes to make, so sign up for a reputable smoking-cessation program. If you don't smoke, make an effort to avoid secondhand smoke; chronic exposure can increase your risk for heart disease.

Week 3: Reduce your fat intake. Fat is the most concentrated form of energy and calories, so reducing your intake of it helps you lose weight and reduces your risk for heart disease and some forms of cancer.

Week 4: Limit saturated fat. Decreasing the amount of saturated fat in your diet is one of the best ways to lower your cholesterol. Saturated fats are a main contributor to heart disease. These fats usually become solid at room temperature and are found mostly in butter, lard and animal fats.

Week 6: Reduce your salt intake. The average American age 2 or older consumes twice the recommended amount of sodium per day. Most sodium comes from salt added during food processing. Salt added at the table and in cooking is only a small proportion of the total sodium that Americans consume. The AHA recommends that all Americans limit their sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day. Removing the saltshaker from your table and eating fewer processed foods can help.

Week 8: De-stress. Stress increases your risk for heart disease and accelerates its progression. People who are chronically angry or stressed have higher rises in blood pressure than people who aren't. This constant flux can damage the heart. Be aware of stress and find ways to control it.

Week 9: Become a savvy grocery shopper. Most foods include important nutrition information on their labels. Paying attention to these figures will help ensure you eat healthfully.

Week 10: Find a new activity. This week, try a new sport or activity you enjoy. You might enjoy water-walking, circuit training, in-line skating, or slide aerobics.

Week 11: Know what's on the menu. When you eat out, try to eat as well as you do at home. Ask your server how food is prepared. Avoid cream sauces, cheese sauces, and fried foods. Opt for broiled, steamed, or stir-fried dishes.

Week 12: Eat breakfast every day. Everyone needs energy first thing in the morning, yet many people skip breakfast. Plan ahead and have nutritious foods ready to go.